McCabe golden in USA triumph; Russian duo gets bronze

Team USA captain Jake McCabe earned a gold medal Saturday as Team USA downed Sweden 3-1 to claim first place at the 2013 World Junior Championship. The victory was USA's first gold medal at the U20 event since defeating Canada in the 2010 final.

The Wisconsin sophomore, who began each period paired with Seth Jones, played a simple defensive game in the tourney finale. His stick was down, he made quick clears, and he kept his position around the USA net while not chasing the play en route to earning a plus-two rating. McCabe did a great job of forcing the Swedish forwards wide to the outside. His most impressive play came early in the second period with a great read to break up a two-on-one chance for the Swedes.

A native of Eau Claire, Wis., McCabe finishes the event with a line of 3-3-6 through the seven games, along with 16 PIM, 13 shots on goal, and a team-best plus-nine rating. His overall effort was rewarded with a spot on the tournament All-Star Team.

In the end, players from 13 different states, including 15 who currently play with NCAA Division I programs, banded together and got better with each passing game to take the gold medal on Russian soil.

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In the day's first game, Andrey Makarov made 40 saves to backstop Russia to a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory over Canada to earn the bronze medal. With the loss, Canada's streak of 14 straight years with a medal came to an end.

With a decision in a medal game for the second consecutive year, Makarov ends the tournament with a 2-1 record, 2.99 GAA, and .933 save%.

Mikhail Grigorenko was unable to score in the game, but made perhaps his biggest defensive play of the tournament with a leg save in overtime prior to Valeri Nichushkin breaking in and scoring the game winner to get Russia the medal.

The talented centerman was named as one of Russia's top three players at the conclusion of the tournament with a productive 2-4-6 in seven games. Grigorenko rounded out his performance with 33 shots on goal, a 48.5% success rate on faceoffs (65W-69L), and a plus-four rating.

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Kris Baker was raised in a hockey rink. When you were watching Star Wars, he was watching Peter Puck. Bakes' favorite food is chicken soup from the vending machine, and he'd register a Zamboni with the DMV if allowed.